Michael A. Gerstenzang
Senior Partner
“[A] very strategic thinker who can navigate difficult issues and bring a lot of experience to the table.”
Chambers Global
“Michael ‘is the real deal’ as far as private funds lawyers are concerned.”
Chambers Global
“Has a real talent for devising creative solutions.”
Chambers Global
Michael A. Gerstenzang is Cleary Gottlieb’s Senior Partner.
Michael became our Senior Partner in January 2026, after serving as our Managing Partner from 2017 through 2025. As our Senior Partner, Michael focuses on expanding the firm’s technology and practice innovation initiatives, deepening relationships with clients, engaging with our alumni community, and supporting our Managing Partner and Executive Committee.
Notable Experience
TPG in the formation of its private equity, special situations, growth, and other funds, and in numerous significant co-investment arrangements.
KKR in the formation of its Asia and growth funds.
Selected Activities
trigger- Guest Lecturer, Harvard Law School
- Guest Lecturer, Yale Law School
- Guest Lecturer, Columbia Business School
- Guest Lecturer, Columbia Law School
- Member, Private Investment Fund Forum
- Member, International Bar Association Subcommittee on Private Investment Funds, 2009-2014
- Member, Private Investment Funds Committee, New York City Bar Association, 2009-2012
Publications
2025 Predictions for AI and Private Funds: The Rise of Agents
Generative AI Is a Catalyst for Law Firms and Talent Development
Lawyers’ Skills Will Remain in Demand, at Least for the Short Term
Leading Questions: Cleary’s Managing Partner Michael Gerstenzang
Michael Gerstenzang: Insights From Cleary’s ‘Listener-in-Chief’
Events
June 26, 2025
November 9, 2023
March 10, 2021
October 6, 2020
Taking the High Road: Navigating Corporate Responsibility to Advance Public Welfare
June 5, 2020
April 17, 2020
Leadership in Times of Crisis: What General Counsel Are Doing Now
May 20, 2019
IBA’s 30th Annual Conference on the Globalisation of Investment Funds
April 30, 2019